Houston Football: Preseason game-by-game predictions for 2017 season
By Zach Bigalke
The unbeaten streak won’t last forever for Houston, though. Their biggest threat in the race for the AAC West this season is Memphis, and the Tigers visit TDECU Stadium on October 19. Last year Memphis won an instant classic over the Cougars 48-44 in the regular-season finale at the Liberty Bowl.
In that contest, the two teams combined for nearly 1,200 yards in the course of wild shootout. While Greg Ward Jr. has graduated, Memphis brings back its quarterback from last season’s game. On that night, Riley Ferguson threw for 409 yards and four touchdowns. Originally a Tennessee recruit, Ferguson landed with the Tigers and will be playing for a chance at being drafted next spring.
The Houston offense is going to put points on the scoreboard. But Memphis is just as capable of racking up touchdowns. We are likely going to see another game to remember when the two teams meet up again.
Unfortunately for Houston, this is where its perfect record gets blemished. The Cougars are going to be torched yet again by Memphis, with Ferguson throwing at least four touchdowns again and going for 400 yards. Major Applewhite will have to pick his team back up and get them on track. Though they won’t be unbeaten any longer, there will still be plenty to play for in 2017.